BBE Music
presents the fourth release in their acclaimed J Jazz Masterclass
Series: Topology by Makoto Terashita and Harold Land. Originally
released in 1983 on the cult Aketa’s Disk label, Topology captures a
surprising yet fascinating and engaging collaboration between a young
Japanese jazz pianist and an elder American statesman of jazz. Reissued by BBE Music for the first time since original release 36
years ago, Topology showcases the extraordinary compositional and
playing skill of Makoto Terashita, the young pianist responsible for
five of the album’s six tracks, alongside the confident and seasoned
tones of Harold Land, respected US veteran sax player and former
colleague of some of the leading jazz artists of the 50s, 60s and 70s
including Max Roach, Clifford Brown, Gerald Wilson and Bobby Hutcherson. By the time he came to record with Terashita in 1983, Land was in his
mid-50s and had numerous album credits under his belt, including some
twelve albums as leader. In contrast, Terashita was in his early 30s
with just one album to his name, his stunning 1978 debut Great Harvest.
Notwithstanding the apparent disparity in experience, the creative
relationship they fostered is audibly evident in the wonderful music
that was captured during the recording session. Topology kicks off with ‘Dragon Dance’, an epic spiritual jazz tour
de force elegantly ushered in by an extended solo piano introduction
from Terashita. This track was chosen to open volume 2 of BBE’s
universally praised ‘J Jazz’ compilation. The energy and impact of
tracks like ‘Dragon Dance’ and the powerful bop of ‘Crossing’- both
Terashitsa-penned numbers – is balanced by more nuanced and reflective
tracks like Land’s own composition ‘World Peace’. In total, Topology
presents the listener with a complete experience of two musicians from
different generations and countries united in musical spirit. A long out of print rarity known only to a handful of Japanese jazz
collectors, Topology is now available once more, reissued for the first
time as a 45rpm double 180g LP, featuring exact reproductions of the
original artwork, obi strip and insert. It also comes with the original
notes fully translated plus a new extended 3700 word essay by Tony
Higgins. Topology is also available as a CD and across digital formats. The J Jazz Masterclass Series is personally curated by Tony Higgins
and Mike Peden and is dedicated to presenting the very finest in
Japanese jazz. The series features rare and unreleased material
presented in the highest quality reproductions of the original releases,
fully licensed and authorised.
Makoto Terashita Meets Harold Land – Topology
- Product Code:New
- Availability:In Stock
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£12.99